CENTER for OUTREACH SERVICES
Interpreter Professional Development Resources
There are many resources (via web, video, print) available that can assist an interpreter working on their own, with one or more colleagues or with a mentor in the quest for professional development. While by no means comprehensive, this page highlights resources that may be helpful particularly for educational interpreters. Many of the links require Adobe Reader to view.
by Paula Gajewski Mickelson
This online independent study module guides you through a series of steps and activities to help you clarify your professional development goals and create a proactive plan for skill development.
by Biinis, Gajewski Mickelson, Gordon, Krouse and Swabey, 1996
This set of self-paced learning modules were created in 1996 to help you build knowledge and skills about interpreting and transliterating. Each module includes many practice activities. Areas covered include:
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Process
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Ethics and Role
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Grammar
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Vocabulary
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Space
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Numbers
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Fingerspelling
by Sara Paullin Casto & Jean Parmir
ISLR developed these three self-study modules about IEPs to increase understanding of the IEP process as it applies to effective participation as an IEP team member or interpreting for IEP meetings.
Resources for Interpreting in Math Classes
A listing of resources reviewed by Ohio educational interpreters for preparing for interpreting math classes and practicing interpreting skills for this setting. This document was updated with additions in December 2007. This document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.
by Doug Bowen-Bailey
This independent study packet published by Digiterp guides interpreters as they learn and apply the discourse analysis process. It is available to download for free. It is designed to be used with the CD-Rom/DVD Life in Parallel featuring matching texts in ASL and English. The CD/DVD can be purchased for a low cost or borrowed from the Deafness Collection at the State Library of Ohio.
The Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) mainly focuses on providing materials to Deaf and blind students. However, they also have many professional development CD-Roms and videos designed for interpreters, including many Signs of Development products. Many items are available to view online in addition to borrowing in their original format. These materials can be borrowed at no charge by anyone working with Deaf students.
While this resource was developed by the University of Minnesota for post-secondary interpreters preparing for certification, it is also useful for interpreters in any setting who are working independently, with a mentor, or with a group. Charting the Way includes lessons on topics like skill development, the Deaf community, and self care, as well as interactive exercises, videos of college-level consumers, and assessment tools.
Observation can be a powerful professional development tool when done actively and intentionally. These Guided Observation Questions are a tool designed to help interpreters focus their attention when observing a colleague work.
Sample Form for a Written Professional Development Plan
This form, available as a pdf document or a Microsoft Word form, was developed as a sample for internships at the Ohio School for the Deaf. It can also be used as a format for writing a professional development plan for working independently or with a mentor. This is intended as a working document to help you put your thoughts on paper. This is not the Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) that licensed interpreters are required to submit to their Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC).
Contact us for more information or to suggest additional resources.